Set YouTube quality preferences for Wi-Fi and mobile data

Before you begin

Higher video quality can use more data and buffer more on a limited connection. Choose separate preferences for Wi-Fi and mobile networks according to your needs. For a tutorial with small writing, make sure data savings do not make essential instructions unreadable.

Check the active account and the open video before changing YouTube settings. Player controls, saved collections and history serve different purposes, so use the menu that matches your goal. For a tutorial, compare the same passage when checking results. Watch on-screen text as well as listening, so a viewing adjustment does not make you miss an important part of the explanation.

Follow these steps

Follow this sequence in the Android app.

1. Open a video, choose the player's Settings and then Quality. Try Data saver and inspect whether the picture remains clear enough for the material you are currently watching.
2. Compare it with Auto or Higher picture quality using the same passage. Judge text readability and playback stability rather than relying only on a resolution number displayed in the menu.
3. For defaults, open your profile picture, Settings and Video quality preferences. Choose an appropriate policy separately for mobile networks and Wi-Fi so everyday viewing follows the intended settings.
4. When available, use Advanced to choose a specific resolution for a video that needs it. Inspect the result again after changing networks, since connection conditions still affect the viewing experience.

Check the result

Every video and device does not offer every resolution. Material uploaded at low quality cannot gain genuine detail simply by selecting a higher setting. Use enough quality to read the content and check device data usage if your mobile allowance is limited.